Ruby McKenzie
Given the ever-present nature of cyber threats, the importance of network security in today’s interconnected world cannot be overstated. This renders a sound understanding of the fundamentals of network security to be of extreme importance. Here, we’ll explain the fundamental concepts underpinning network security protection.
What is Network Security?
Efforts to defend computer networks and their ancillaries against access by unauthorized individuals—as well as abuses or service disruptions—are referred to as network security.
Here, it’s important to note these exertions apply to external, as well as internal sources.
The foundation of this protection is situated upon three essential principles, which are known as the CIA Triad.
The CIA Triad
While its purpose is also defense against threats, both known and unknown, in this instance, the initialism CIA refers to ensuring Confidentiality, Integrity
and Availability. With this triumvirate in place, networks tend to function efficiently and free of incursions.
a. Confidentiality: Limiting access to authorized individuals or systems through the use of encryption, access controls and secure communication channels are fundamental to maintaining network confidentiality.
b. Integrity: Ensuring data accuracy and reliability entails the prevention of unauthorized modification, destruction or alteration of stored materials. Hashing and digital signatures are among the techniques employed to sustain data integrity.
c. Availability: Security concerns notwithstanding, network resources and services must be readily accessible by authorized users on demand. Defending against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and hardware redundancy are key to accomplishing availability.
Common Network Security Threats
One must have an awareness of the nature of potential threats in order to devise protections against them. Numbered among the most frequently encountered threats are:
a. Malware: Viruses, worms, Trojans, and ransomware capable of infiltrating networks, corrupting data, and disrupting operations comprise malware.
b. Phishing: Duping users into divulging login credentials or financial details, through fraudulent emails or websites is referred to as phishing.
c. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Interception and alteration of communications with the goal of stealing sensitive data or injecting malicious code is known as a MitM attack.
d. Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks: The overloading of networks or services, thus rendering them inaccessible to the rightful users, defines DoS and DDoS attacks.
e. Insider Threats: These are acts of malice or honest errors caused by employees or individuals with privileged access to the network that are capable of compromising security.
Network Security Measures
Firewalls, Antivirus and Antimalware Software, Virtual Private Networks, Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, Data Encryption and Network Microsegmentation are among the most effective network security tools.
a. Firewalls: These are “barriers” separating trusted internal networks from untrusted external networks, firewalls monitor and control both inbound and outbound interchanges.
b. Antivirus and Antimalware Software: Such programs provide for the detection, prevention, and removal of malevolent software.
c. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Encrypted pathways, along with partitioned “areas” in shared servers, providing secure remote access over the internet comprise VPNs.
d. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): IDS looks for suspicious activity, while IPS shields the network and/or renders potential threats impotent.
e. Encryption: Altering data using a key, which can be shared with authorized users to thwart unauthorized access attempts is referred to as encryption.
f. Microsegmentation: Managing and limiting user access based upon need, which limits lateral movement within the network based on a predefined set of roles and access privileges comprises microsegmentation.
In Summary
Developing a through understanding of the fundamental building blocks of network security, along with the most effective techniques of deploying them makes defending data and ensuring the integrity of the networks within which it exists more readily accomplished.
Far from being a static field, network security must, by necessity, evolve right along with the nature and efficacy of the threats arrayed against it. After all, the unscrupulous have demonstrated a decided willingness to work harder to steal than to legitimately earn.
Faced with adversaries of this nature, it falls upon network security professionals to do everything possible to keep pace with the contemporary developments in their field. Cybercriminals seldom take a day off, therefore
network security personnel must remain ever vigilant.
